Clinical management of a severe traumatic cutaneous myiasis at the base of the antler in a fallow deer, Dama dama: A case report

Abstract

Cutaneous myiasis is the infestation of larvae of flies in the vertebrate. The condition causes significant economic losses to the livestock industry indicating the importance of a systematic approach to clinical management. The incidents of two episodes of severe cutaneous myiasis wound at the base of the antler in a 5-year-old semi-intensively managed male Dama dama deer was described. Physical examination revealed a foul-smelling necrotic wound around the left cornual region measuring 5cm×4cm in radius and 3cm in depth and fly eggs were seen on the surface of the wound. The clinical findings suggest the diagnosis of a severe cutaneous myiasis. The case was managed by wound debridement and flushing with hydrogen peroxide 3% and diluted hibiscrub 0.05%, followed with povidone iodine 2.5%. Topical ointment, Dermapred ® and insecticide, Negasunt ® were applied topically. Parenteral administration of flunixin meglumine 2.2 mg/kg for 3 days and Oxytetracycline 1 ml/10 k every 72 hours, given twice both through intramuscular route. Supplement injections, Vitavet ® and Catosal™ were given to improve the wound healing process. The outcome of the wound improved post-14 days of treatment. Administration of timely combination of antimicrobials, pain management and flies control are leading factors to a good healing process.

Pedicle myiasis by Lucilia caesar (Diptera, Calliphoridae): An emerging disease in roe deer from north‐western Spain

“…Nevertheless, the fact that most of the animals presented eggs attached to the antlers, reinforce the hypothesis that flies were attracted to the smell of the dead tissue adhered to the antlers. In this sense, when blowflies are attracted to an open wound, fly eggs are mainly found on the surface of the wound but not on the antlers (Azrolharith et al, 2022).…”

“…Traumatic myiasis in domestic animals causes important health injuries that need veterinary attention. However, in wild or extensively reared animals, with minor or absence of veterinary care, spontaneous recovery is rare and complications with secondary infections may result in septicaemia or toxaemia (Azrolharith et al, 2022).…”

“…Pedicle myiasis in cervid hosts is considered to be predisposed by injuries near the pedicle caused by fights during the rutting season or secondary to scratching for detaching the velvet (Azrolharith et al, 2022). In the cases reported herein, the existence of previous cutaneous injuries could not be proven due to the advanced state of the myiasis.…”

“…Traumatic myiasis in domestic animals causes important health injuries that need veterinary attention. However, in wild or extensively reared animals, with minor or absence of veterinary care, spontaneous recovery is rare and complications with secondary infections may result in septicaemia or toxaemia (Azrolharith et al, 2022). The severity of the cases described herein indicates that spontaneous recovery is unlikely, so further studies are needed to prevent and manage this myiasis in roe deer.…”